As we prepare for hurricane IRMA, it’s important to provide helpful outlets for children to cope with their feelings.
Here are a few ways to help children deal with emotions before and during the storm.
- Before the storm, have children gather their favorite stuffed animal, blanket and pillow, and perhaps a few special books. These things will help calm them if the storm gets scary. You can also empower children by involving them in other preparations that are appropriate for their age.
- Encourage them to talk to you or to their other family members about their thoughts. Acknowledge fear, but express calm. They will follow your emotions very closely.
- Have paper, crayons, markers, and colored pencils handy to create and share feelings or serve as distractions.
- Create family time together with board games, cards, charades, and flashlights.
More ideas can be found at these links:
https://www.highlights.com/parents/articles/6-tips- ease-your- kids-fears- storms
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tarahaelle/2017/08/30/8-books- to-help- children-understand- disasters-and-cope- with-anxiety/#7d5b98cf42e9
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/after- the-storm- workbook-helps- kids-deal- with-hurricane-stress- 18409941/
